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Local earns scholarship from State Rep.

Recent Liberty County High School graduate DeAngelo Quarterman received a $1,000 scholarship from the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Thursday to help further his education when he goes off to college next month.The 52-member political organization, the largest caucus of black lawmakers in the nation, submits nominations from their districts for a student they feel is most deserving of the scholarship, "those we see great future or success in," according to state Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, GLBC chairman.Quarterman was one of only two granted the scholarship in south Georgia and Williams said he was honored to present the scholarship to him.Sometimes being a minority creates additional obstacles and society can make negative assumptions, according to Williams. So he felt Quarterman's achievements, despite the odds, were especially noteworthy. "We're very cognizant of the fact that all of our young black men are not going to jail and are not in trouble, not on drugs," Williams said. "We just don't read a lot about the successes of African-American males."Quarterman also received nominations for the GLBC scholarship from LCHS science department chair, Sophia Smoke and Pastor Tewana LeCounte.LeCounte described Quarterman as a "gifted athlete," and "an outstanding citizen and an excellent role model in the community of hard work and determination." Quarterman made his mark on the LCHS football team since joining the Panthers his sophomore year.He also worked a part-time job while in high school, but still managed to graduate a HOPE scholar.Both LeCounte and Williams credited Quarterman's parents for his accomplishments and instilling a "sound work ethic."Williams said part of the role of GLBC was to "encourage those how have been exemplary, not just academics but in the community."The Midway resident will begin his college career at Georgia Southern University, to major in engineering.